Antariksh Archives

On September 14, 2023, Jameer Manur, founder of Antariksh Club, delivered an insightful talk on "Observational Astronomy: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" at VIIT, Pune. He covered topics from the role of observational and theoretical astronomy to key celestial bodies, historical figures like Galileo and Newton, and advancements in astronomy detectors. He also discussed the future of astronomy, with technologies like the Thirty Meter Telescope and Devasthal Observatory. The talk ignited curiosity and inspired future astronomers by emphasizing both the past achievements and the future potential of astronomy.

On September 8, 2023, the Antariksh Club hosted an internal talk titled "Life Cycle of Stars" at VIIT, led by Anas Ansari. The presentation explored star formation from gas clouds, through various phases including red giants and supernovae, to the eventual formation of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Key highlights included the role of nebulae in star birth and the processes behind temperature variations within stars. The engaging Q&A session addressed topics such as the triggers for nuclear fusion and the transformations stars undergo, showcasing the club's commitment to fostering curiosity about the cosmos.

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exemplary astronomical observatory. Its 19 intricately designed stone instruments reflect the advanced knowledge of ancient Indian astronomers, used to measure celestial positions and time with remarkable accuracy. Instruments such as the Vrihat Smarat Yantra and Jaya Prakash Yantra showcase precise engineering and scientific understanding. This paper explores the historical, scientific, and architectural significance of Jantar Mantar, emphasizing its enduring contribution to astronomical studies.

On September 4, 2023, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), Pune, celebrated "Chandrayaan Mahotsav" in honor of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. Organized by the Antariksh Club, the event attracted 70 attendees and featured presentations by club members on the Moon’s significance, global space missions, and the Chandrayaan program. A quiz and a sky gazing workshop, offering views of the Vega Star and Alpha Centauri, added interactive elements. The event was a tribute to India’s space achievements and successfully inspired interest in space exploration.

On August 23, 2023, the Antariksh Club of Vishwakarma Institutes hosted a live presentation celebrating India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing at Sadguru Science Classes in Virar. Over 50 students from Classes 8 to 12 attended, eagerly watching the live stream from ISRO’s Control Room. As the Vikram Lander successfully touched down on the Moon, the room erupted in cheers, highlighting the unifying spirit of scientific achievements. Guided by Jameer Manur Sir and supported by the school’s administration, the event emphasized the importance of collaboration in fostering curiosity and pride in India's scientific advancements.

India's contribution to the discovery of ultra-low frequency gravitational waves marks a significant breakthrough in astrophysics. The collaboration between Indian, Japanese, and European astronomers, utilizing India's upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT), has unveiled the "humming" of the universe caused by supermassive black hole pairs. This achievement underscores the importance of global scientific partnerships. The Indian Pulsar Timing Array (InPTA), part of this effort, played a key role in capturing precise pulsar signals, paving the way for future exploration of cosmic mysteries.